Lemon Loaf Cake Icing (Printable View)

A moist lemon loaf bursting with bright citrus flavor, topped with a sweet tangy lemon icing.

# What You'll Need:

→ Lemon Loaf

01 - 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
02 - 1 teaspoon baking powder
03 - 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
04 - 1/4 teaspoon salt
05 - 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
06 - 1 cup granulated sugar
07 - 2 large eggs, room temperature
08 - 2 tablespoons fresh lemon zest (from 2 lemons)
09 - 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
10 - 1/2 cup whole milk, room temperature
11 - 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

→ Lemon Icing

12 - 1 cup powdered sugar, sifted
13 - 2 to 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice

# How To Make It:

01 - Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease and line a 9x5-inch loaf pan with parchment paper.
02 - Whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a medium bowl. Set aside.
03 - In a large bowl, cream softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes.
04 - Beat in eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
05 - Stir in lemon zest, lemon juice, and vanilla extract until combined.
06 - Add half of the dry mixture to the wet ingredients and mix gently. Pour in milk, then add remaining dry ingredients. Mix until just combined, avoiding overmixing.
07 - Pour batter into prepared loaf pan and smooth the surface.
08 - Bake for 50 to 55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Tent loosely with foil after 40 minutes if the top browns too quickly.
09 - Let the loaf cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
10 - Whisk powdered sugar with 2 tablespoons lemon juice. Add more lemon juice to adjust consistency if desired.
11 - Drizzle icing over cooled loaf and allow to set for 15 minutes before slicing.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • Soft moist lemon flavor
  • Sweet tangy lemon icing topping
02 -
  • For extra lemon flavor add ½ teaspoon lemon extract to the batter
  • Swap whole milk for plant-based milk for a dairy-free version (ensure icing sugar is vegan if needed)
03 -
  • Don't overmix the batter to keep the loaf tender
  • Use fresh lemon zest and juice for the best flavor
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